Contrary to popular belief, oils aren’t solely for the dry-skinned – and loooong before their recent exhumation from the skin care archives, pure oils graced the faces of the likes of Cleopatra (always ahead of the beauty curve), and the Geishas – whose flawless skins were owed to pure camellia oil (a key ingredient in Pai Skincare‘s impressive range of soothing skin solutions).
Brimming with essential fatty acids – to strengthen skin’s protective lipid barrier – as well as potent, complexion-conditioning vitamins and minerals, face oils can correct a multitude of s(k)ins. Balancing, thickening and glow-bestowing – even oily/combination skins can benefit.
Excess oil is often a side-effect of dehydration – by ‘over-stripping’ oily skin with drying toners, you actually compel it to make more. Instead, applying oil helps to ‘trick’ skin into believing things are fine – it’s the skin care version of a ‘re-set button’.
There are no hard and fast rules as to when or how to apply facial oil, but the general consensus is to treat it like a ‘top coat’ – massaging 2 – 3 drops into face, neck and décolleté after your day cream (before SPF). However, if you’re predisposed to noontime shine, you might choose to use oils at night – either ‘neat’ or mixed-with moisturiser, for a supercharged, targeted boost.
If you’ve got {mature skin}
A buffet for depleted cells, Mara Beauty’s phenomenal {Universal Face Oil} “feeds” skin with an entire alphabet of vitamins {A, B, C, D, E and F), alongside a cocktail of minerals and plumping plankton extracts to diminish depth of lines and leave skin positively luminous. An absolute ‘no brainer’ for all those with dulled or lacklustre visages, this one-for-all oil is prevention and cure – deflecting attack from skin-ageing aggressors while ‘undoing’ signs of slow-down.
Herbivore’s {Phoenix Rosehip And Sea Buckthorn Deep Renewal Facial Oil} is another effective option. As the name suggests, the star of the show here is rosehip oil, which is chock full of omega fatty acids (3, 6 and 9) that help nourish and plump the skin. It also contains a trans-retinoic acid, giving your skin a brighter, smoother, more even finish with every use. This powerhouse oil also contains buckthorn oil (for nourishment), meadowfoam oil (to lock in moisture), neroli oil (to help illuminate skin) and chia seed to enhance radiance and reduce sun exposure damage.
If your skin is {dry}
After a face oil that gets to work while you snooze? The Seated Queen’s {Restoring Face Oil} is perfect to use overnight, with a clever cocktail of organic cold pressed oils including hemp seed, grapeseed, sea buckthorn, bakuchiol seed, squalane and evening primrose (phew!). Despite its rich, luxurious texture, this hardworking formula won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts; instead it helps to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin barrier.
Those with {dark spots}
Need Odacité’s {Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrate} – a brightening and preventative blend of papaya and geranium extracts, to help restore skin to its former uniformity. This also makes an ideal skin care ‘supplement’ for women who’re experiencing pigmentation due to pregnancy.
If you’re looking {lacklustre}
Try Sunday Riley’s {Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil} – an ultra-lightweight ‘dry oil’ that’s readily absorbed to grant dull skin immediate radiance. Try patting a few drops on top of your moisturiser – or even over make up – for quick fix, skin-rejuvenation.
Nothing boosts radiance quite like retinol — but the powerful multitasker can cause potential sensitivity. Luckily, Drunk Elephant’s all-NEW {A-Gloei Maretinol Oil} promises to boost your skin’s glow without causing irritation, thanks to a low dose of vegan retinol (0.5%). Alongside a head turning glow, this oil helps to boost your complexion’s natural elasticity and plumpness, smooth out texture and fine lines and reduce blemishes. You’ll also find omega-rich virgin marula oil and ceramides, which together help with skin barrier protection. This is the answer to happy, healthy and hydrated skin.
If your skin is {oily}
Looking to balance your oil production and decongest pores, while keeping skin hydrated and nourished? Herbivore’s {Lapis Blue Tansy and Squalane Balancing Facial Oil} could just be the answer. The magic ingredient here is blue tansy (the culprit behind this oil’s deep blue hue) which is rich in azulene, helping to soothe irritation and redness all while balancing the skin’s natural oil levels.
And if you’re suffering from {sensitivity}…
Then the {Golden Haze Oil} from Alpha-H may just be your new Holy Grail. This mix of nine fast-absorbing essential oils is designed to soothe irritated complexions, thanks to omega fatty acids that calm and nourish the skin. Alongside this, alpha-linoleic and oleic acid help to strengthen and protect your skin barrier. The result? That golden hour glow you’ve been craving.
For fans of the skin-healing properties of rosehip, look to Pai Skincare’s {Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil}. The brand’s unique rosehip oil — volcanically sourced and extracted via an advanced CO2 extraction method — ensures a fresher, more effective formula with higher concentrations of omegas 3,6,7 and 9. This regenerative facial oil is brimming with antioxidant carotenoids to help repair and protect skin against environmental stress and visible damage. Say goodbye to flaky, dry skin and hello to a firmer, clearer and more even complexion.